29 arrested in Clay County drug sweep

More than half of 48 men and women sought in a drug sweep in Clay County on Tuesday were arrested on warrants, and an active meth lab and children were found in the home of one of the suspects.

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -

More than of 48 men and women sought in a drug sweep in Clay County on Tuesday were arrested on warrants, and the arrests will continue Wednesday.

Detectives said they went to one home in the 3200 block of County Road 215 in Middleburg on Tuesday afternoon to arrest a wanted suspect on a warrant and found at least five others in the home, in addition to the suspect, and the components of a meth lab.

Detectives were questioning the adults and securing the meth lab-related materials.

“The first one we found, appeared to be residue and we found some chemicals that are associated with meth, meth production. While conducting another search we located another lab that was actually cooking," said Captain Barry Abramowitz.

The Department of Children and Families was called to take custody of children who were in the home or find alternate housing for them. Investigators said they told DCF the children's health could be affected by chemicals used to make meth.

“I worry about the kids because I think there was quite a few kids there, so I’m not sure what’s going to happen to them," said resident Kerry Warren.

Steve Schneider lives nearby and was stunned to hear his neighbors could face criminal charges.

"It was totally surprising to pull up and see about 12 sheriff's cars in front of your house and a Hazmat," said Schneider.

Investigators worked Tuesday night to clean up the crime scene.

Neighbors said they are hopeful their community will be cleaned up and become quiet after Tuesday's events.

Schneider said he also hopes justice is served.

“Well I hope they go to jail. I hope they bulldoze the house down. I mean, if you’re going to do the crime, pay it, especially with that crime, meth lab. I mean, Officer White lost his life over that," said Schneider.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, those arrested were:

Michael Atkins, 28, charged with sale or delivery of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church

Iris Austin, 57, charged with sale or delivery of Carisoprodol

Heather Bidwell, 31, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school

Darlene Cady, 50, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance

Kareem Cameron, 32, charged with sale or delivery of cocaine

Johnny Collier, 60, charged with sale or delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public park

Michelle Davis, 30, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance

Charlie Fleming, 22, charged with sale or delivery of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school

Kevin Hancock, 48, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 of a church

Inkeria Johnson, 16, charged with sale or delivery of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a public park

Christopher Layfield, 26, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance

Linda Ann Layfield, 51, charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell

Michael Layfield, 55, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia

London Lee, 23, charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia

Curtis Martin, 23, charged with sale and delivery of Hydromorphone

Brandon Milar, 28, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance

Joie Mulcahy, 21, possession of paraphernalia

Angel Nelson, 25, charged with sale or delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church

Leroy Payne, 41, charged with sale or delivery of crack cocaine

Anthony Perrone, 29, charged with sale or delivery of a counterfeit drug

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